TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- For the last few years, thousands of Tupelo students have been given Apple MacBooks to use in the classroom.
After attending a recent conference, educators learned alternative ways to keep technology in the classroom without the added expense.
"[The presenter] He asked a question 'why do we supply the students with technology when they currently have the technology and they have up-to-date technology,'" said Tupelo Principal Kim Britton.
Leaders said they started looking into other options and found several districts throughout the state and the country are using the BYOD approach: Bring Your Own Device.
The pilot program will be tested at Milam Elementary with 6th grade students who have never used the MacBooks.
"We want to make sure we can spend the time at Milam in a controlled environment. That way we can work out any kinks that may arise with the initiative. We want to work-it-out at Milam Elementary," Britton said.
The new BYOD pilot program will replace the one-to-one computer initiative at Milam.
However, for the 6th graders who do not have access to a device to complete assignments, technology will be available at school.
"We will have policies in place to make sure students are safe on campus when they use their Wi-Fi," Britton added.
The students who will use the school's technology will not be required to pay a deposit because the equipment will remain at school.
Leaders confirmed the lease is up for the first round of MacBooks.
